LAB SAFETY

WHY LAB SAFETY? Protect yourself from laboratory hazards Protect students and others from laboratory

hazards Comply with State and Federal regulations Set a good example for students

LABORATORY SAFETY TRAINING OVERVIEW OSHA

Occupational exposures to hazardous chemicals in laboratories (1910.1450)

Hazard Communication (1910.1200) NFPA

Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals (NFPA 45)

Personal Protective Equipment Chemical Storage

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES TO HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN LABORATORIES (1910.1450) Chemical Hygiene Plan – Required where

hazardous chemicals are used in the workplace Readily available to employees Standard operating procedures Implement control measures to reduce

exposures Requirement that fume hoods and other PPE are

functioning properly

CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN Provisions for employee training Designation of personnel responsible for

implementing plan and assignment of a Chemical Hygiene Officer

Procedure for removal of hazardous waste OSHA REQUIRES PLAN TO BE

REVIEWED AND EVALUATED ANNUALLY

EMPLOYEE TRAINING Provide employees w/ information and

training apprising them of the potential hazards in their lab

Required at the time of an employees initial assignment to a work area

Frequency of refresher training determined by employer

Location of Chemical Hygiene Plan and MSDSs or other reference material

EMPLOYEE TRAINING Measures employees can take to protect

themselves Appropriate work practices PPE to be used Spill Response

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION Hazard Communication (1910.1200)

MSDSs readily available to employees Chemical labels not removed or defaced and all

containers of chemicals must be labeled as to the contents (i.e. hydrochloric acid) and hazards (i.e. corrosive)

NFPA Purpose of the standard is to provide basic

requirements for the protection of life and property through prevention and control of fires and explosions involving use of chemicals in laboratories.

NFPA Flammable liquids cannot be stored on floor.

NFPA 45 “Fire protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals” allows for a maximum of 5 gallons of flammable liquids (sprinklered lab) outside of a flammable storage cabinet.

Allows a maximum of 2 gallons of flammable liquids (non-sprinklered lab) outside of a flammable storage cabinet

PPE Do you know what PPE is appropriate for the

work you are doing? Gloves Safety glasses, goggles, faceshield Lab coat

GLOVES LATEX GLOVES PROVIDE LITTLE TO NO

CHEMICAL PROTECTION IN HEAVY USE CONDITIONS. Permeation or the break through rate of latex

with most solvents is only a matter of a few seconds

In 1996, a laboratory researcher (Dartmouth College) was fatally poisoned by a one time, momentary exposure to a very tiny drop of dimethylmercury onto a latex glove covered hand.

GLOVES Glove Selection Guide Handout

http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_7thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf

CHEMICAL STORAGE ACIDS

Acetic Acid, *Chromic Acid, Hydrochloric Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, *Nitric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Sulfuric Acid

*Indicates strong oxidizing acids, store per oxidizers section

Storage Precautions: Store bottles on low shelf areas, or in acid cabinets.

Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids, AND flammable materials.

Segregate acids from bases, AND from active metals such as sodium, potassium, etc.

Segregate acids from chemicals which could generate toxic gases such as sodium cyanide, iron sulfide, etc.

CHEMICAL STORAGE BASES Ammonium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide,

Sodium Hydroxide. Storage Precautions: Separate bases from acids. Store bottles on low shelf areas, or in acid

cabinets

CHEMICAL STORAGE FLAMMABLES-

Acetone, Benzene, Cyclohexane, Ethanol, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Ether, Gasoline, Hexane,, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methanol, Propanol, Tetrahydrofuran, Toluene, Xylene

Storage Precautions: Store in approved flammable storage

cabinet(s) Separate from oxidizing acids and oxidizers. Keep away from any source of ignition (flames,

localized heat or sparks). Use only "flammable storage" explosion proof

refrigerators or freezers.

CHEMICAL STORAGE OXIDIZERS-react violently with organics.

Solids- Calcium Hypochlorite, Nitrates, Peroxides –organic and inorganic

Liquids-Bromine, Hydrogen Peroxide, Nitric Acid, Perchloric Acid, Chromic Acid

Storage Precautions: Keep away from flammables, organic solvents,

and other combustible materials (i.e. paper, wood, etc.).

Store in a cool, dry place.

CHEMICAL STORAGE PEROXIDE-FORMING CHEMICALS-

peroxides can be explosively shock-sensitive Ethers and acetals with alpha-hydrogen (e.g.

ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran) 1,4-Dioxane Storage Precautions: Dispose before expiration dates Label containers with receiving, opening, and

disposal dates. Store in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and

dry place.

MANDATORY SAFETY RULES Recommend posting mandatory safety rules

in all labs - SEE HANDOUT